The Best Galvanized Steel Beverage Tubs
While coolers might reign supreme in overall portability, there's no denying the unparalleled coolness of throwing your beverages in a rustic metal container. After all, a well-arranged spread of iced drinks looks far more inviting than a clunky plastic cooler. Galvanized steel is the material-of-choice when it comes to icing champagne, wine, and other frosty beverages. Whether you're grilling out at home, locking up your liquor and taking it to the beach, or hosting a decorative party, we've rounded up the best of the best in the world of galvanized steel beverage tubs for all your chilling challenges.
Tablecraft Galvanized Oval Beverage Tub, 5.5 gallons
Beverage Behemoth
This tub is almost too straightforward to talk about but we’ll do it anyway since we love a good beverage behemoth. With a 5.5-gallon capacity, this tub has ample room to load it up with ice and a bevy of bottles. Then, the side handles make for easy carrying even when it’s filled. It’s almost like they built it for that moment when you suddenly decide to switch up your decorations just as the first guest pulls up. Tablecraft suggests handwashing it and we do, too. Galvanized steel has anti-rust properties, but it doesn’t hurt to err on the safe side to avoid any unwanted tarnishing.
Pros:
- The depth accommodates ice and bottles without overflowing
- Handles for easy carrying
- Sealed to prevent leaking
Cons:
- Not particularly striking in appearance
Juvale 6-Pack Round Galvanized Steel Buckets
The Personal Pail
One big bucket works for tailgates, barbecues, and bonfires, but sometimes you need to tone it down a bit for more intimate, elegant gatherings. For a backyard-friendly wine cooler, check out this 6-pack of galvanized steel buckets from Juvale. Seven inches across the top and seven inches tall, these pails are the perfect personal cooling companion. Scatter them among the cocktail high-tables or place them down the length of a stretched dinner table. You’ll max out the capacity of each bucket with two bottles of wine or three bottles of beer. That being said, it’s a great way to break up table space and provide an air of intimacy for pail partners.
Pros:
- The dimensions make these steel buckets ideal for placing on tabletops
- The handles ensure easy transporting and hanging
- Durable, leakproof construction
Cons:
- They don’t function quite as well as stand-alone pieces, better used as a set
TableCraft Galvanized Oval Beverage Tub
A Night in the Tub
Tablecraft takes on the beverage cooling game once more, this time with a distinctly more refined exterior. This slightly smaller but still roomy galvanized steel tub features a beautiful pebbled texture for a subtle, decorative twist on their baseline model. Regular side handles make carrying a cinch and the sealed bottom prevents any leakage from melting ice. Though it’s marketed as a beverage tub, you might be tempted to plop your toddler or puppy inside for a cute photoshoot — just make sure to take the ice out beforehand.
Pros:
- The pebbled texture is subtle but classy
- The size is the perfect balance of roomy but not overindulgent
- Decorative enough to be used for things other than beverages
Cons:
- The thin walls can be dented easily
Behrens Galvanized Steel Can with Locking Lid
Lock It Down
Though it’s less of a tub and more of a can, this 6-gallon galvanized steel pail is undoubtedly multifunctional. The foot-wide diameter can accommodate a 12-pack of bottles or a couple of bottles of wine, even when packed with ice. Even more appealing than its storage capacity or carrying handle is the included lid. It seals tightly to prevent too much movement inside, making it an ideal pick for a quick trip to the beach or a neighbor’s backyard.
Pros:
- Durable over-top handle to make transportation a cinch
- Made of recycled materials
- Locking lid to keep contents in order
Cons:
- The industrial aesthetic may be too gruff for some
Twine Seaside Jute Rope Wrapped Galvanized Metal Tub
Stay Cool and Classy
Somehow, adding rope accents to a metal tub makes it exponentially more appealing. That’s why we adore this wrapped tub from Twine. It maintains the lax air of a beverage tub while adding just enough accents to turn a practical piece into a center-stage decoration. The body is offered in a few different colors, some more embellished than others, so feel free to pick out a pattern that fits your color palette. This tub is more circular than ovular, so be ready to adjust your bottle placement accordingly. But once you’ve arranged your bottles neatly, this option transforms from a functional tub to a total showstopper.
Pros:
- Rope-wrapped bottom and handles for a rustic look
- Decorative but still functional
- The 4-gallon capacity is perfect for a 12-pack of beers or several wine bottles
Cons:
- Rope-wrap can be too delicate for some users
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between galvanized steel and stainless steel?
While stainless steel necessitates a minimum composition of 10% chromium, galvanized steel is steel that has been coated in a layer of zinc. The former is less malleable and usually more expensive. Both have anti-rusting properties. Because it is less expensive, galvanized steel is favored for use in the construction of low-maintenance items like beverage tubs.
Can I pour drinks directly into my tub?
Unfortunately, because galvanized steel reacts negatively to acidity, it’s not recommended that you utilize your beverage tub as a serving vessel. While it’s perfectly safe to store your iced-down beers and bottles in the tub, there are no FDA-approved, food-safe galvanized steel surfaces to cook or serve on.
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